Author: Newsroom
DEC. 19, 2025 (PORTLAND, OR) — Few creators embody the intersection of craft, culture, and community like Joseph Illidge.
Over the past year, Illidge has achieved a series of career-defining milestones across publishing, education, editorial leadership, and live events, solidifying his position as one of the most influential voices in comics today.
In 2025, Illidge launched Illuminous, the long-anticipated creative and educational initiative, expanding his commitment to mentorship, workshops, and professional development within the comics community. That momentum continued with the announcement on Publishers Marketplace of The Ren, a Harlem Renaissance-inspired YA original graphic novel slated for release in 2028.
Major industry recognition followed. Illidge made the Tripwire Magazine’s 2025 Awards List, alongside a career-spanning interview reflecting on his legacy, influence, and future-facing work. His presence in the mainstream comics conversation expanded further with the launch of Bloodletter from Todd McFarlane Productions and Image Comics with co-writer Tim Seeley, followed by a high-profile signing at San Diego Comic-Con.
Publishing highlights continued throughout the year with the August release of Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet trade paperback, alongside a signing at Multiverse Books in Philadelphia, PA. Illidge also contributed writing to Kat Calamia’s The Comic Shop Anthology: A Hit TV Show Tie-in, the comic book adaptation of the hit YouTube series The Comic Shop, and marked the return of The Winterfields in Noir is the New Black: Season Two from FairSquare Graphics.
Behind the scenes, Illidge served as story editor on the record-breaking, single-issue funded SWAT Kats comic—based on the iconic animated series—while continuing to shape the future of comics storytelling across media. His work and influence extended internationally with attendance at the Cartoon Forum Animation Festival in Toulouse, France, underscoring his growing presence in global animation and transmedia spaces.
A landmark announcement is planned for early 2026, and Joseph Illidge’s next chapter is already in motion. This unprecedented run of milestones sets the stage for what comes next. More details will be revealed soon.
To learn more about Joseph Illdige and Illuminous, check out illuminousideas.com and follow @illuminousideas on social media for updates, insights, and client launches.